Retention for an Insert

ABSTRACT

In one aspect of the present invention, a tensioning element adapted to connect a first object to a second object. The tensioning element comprising a breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry on a first end, a thread form on a second end, and a breakaway torque bearing feature affixed to the first end.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/112,815 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/112,743 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,738 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,689 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,586 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/021,051 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/021,019 which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/971,965 which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/947,644, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/844,586 is a continuation an part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,761. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/829,761 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,271. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/773,271 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,903 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,865. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/766,865 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,304. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,304 is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,261. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/742,261 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/464,008. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/464,008 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,998. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,998 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,990 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,975. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,975 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,962. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,962 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/463,953. The present application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695,672. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/695,672 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/686,831. All of these applications are herein incorporated by reference for all that they contain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tensioning elements, specifically tensioning elements used in degradation assemblies such drill bits and/or excavation machinery. More particularly, the invention relates to cutting elements in degradation assemblies comprised of a carbide substrate with an abrasion resistant layer of superhard material.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/051,689 by Hall et al, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses in one aspect of the invention, a degradation assembly has a working portion with at least one impact tip brazed to a carbide extension. The carbide extension has a cavity formed in a base end and is adapted to interlock with a shank assembly of the cutting element assembly. The shank assembly has a locking mechanism adapted to interlock a first end of the shank assembly within the cavity. The locking mechanism has a radially extending catch formed in the first end of the shank assembly. The shank assembly has an outer surface at a second end of the shank assembly adapted to be press-fitted within a recess of a driving mechanism. The outer surface of the shank assembly has a coefficient of thermal expansion of 110 percent or more than a coefficient of thermal expansion of a material of the driving mechanism.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,332,503 by Pessier et al, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses an array of chisel-shaped cutting elements are mounted to the face of a fixed cutter bit. Each cutting element has a crest and an axis which is inclined relative to the borehole bottom. The chisel-shaped cutting elements may be arranged on a selected portion of the bit, such as the center of the bit, or across the entire cutting surface. In addition, the crest on the cutting elements may be oriented generally parallel or perpendicular to the borehole bottom.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,959 by Bertagnolli et al., which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses a cutting element, insert or compact which is provided for use with drills used in the drilling and boring of subterranean formations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,484,826 by Anderson et al., which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses enhanced inserts formed having a cylindrical grip and a protrusion extending from the grip.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,848,657 by Flood et al, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses domed polycrystalline diamond cutting element wherein a hemispherical diamond layer is bonded to a tungsten carbide substrate, commonly referred to as a tungsten carbide stud. Broadly, the inventive cutting element includes a metal carbide stud having a proximal end adapted to be placed into a drill bit and a distal end portion. A layer of cutting polycrystalline abrasive material disposed over said distal end portion such that an annulus of metal carbide adjacent and above said drill bit is not covered by said abrasive material layer.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,109,737 by Bovenkerk which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses a rotary bit for rock drilling comprising a plurality of cutting elements mounted by interence-fit in recesses in the crown of the drill bit. Each cutting element comprises an elongated pin with a thin layer of polycrystalline diamond bonded to the free end of the pin.

US Patent Application Serial No. 2001/0004946 by Jensen, although now abandoned, is herein incorporated by reference for all that it discloses. Jensen teaches that a cutting element or insert with improved wear characteristics while maximizing the manufacturability and cost effectiveness of the insert. This insert employs a superabrasive diamond layer of increased depth and by making use of a diamond layer surface that is generally convex.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a tensioning element adapted to connect a first object to a second object. The tensioning element comprising a breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry on a first end, a thread form on a second end, and a breakaway torque bearing feature affixed to the first end.

The tensioning element may be disposed within a degradation assembly such as a downhole drill bit, an excavation drum, and/or a downhole tool string. The tension element may comprise a removal interface disposed between the interlocking geometry and the thread form. The removal interface may comprise a wrench flat. The breakaway torque bearing feature may be adapted to break away at a lower strain then the breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry. The breakaway torque bearing feature may also be adapted to break off once the thread has been sufficiently torqued. The torque force required to breakaway the breakaway torque bearing feature may be greater then the torque required to seat the thread form. The tensioning element may be disposed within a blind hole. The interlocking geometry may comprise a catch. The breakaway torque bearing feature may comprise a breakpoint by which it attaches to the first end. The tensioning element comprises a tension break point disposed between the interlocking geometry and the thread form.

The first object may comprise a carbide bolster attached to a tip comprising a super hard material. A cavity in the bolster may be formed of two segments fixed to each other. The interlocking geometry and the cavity of the first object may form a spherical ball joint socket. The first object may interlock with the breakaway torque bearing feature. The first object may comprise an internal cavity that is adapted to axially interlock with the interlocking geometry. The first object may comprise a connection point, adapted for connection of a puller or tightening instrument.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a drill bit.

FIG. 2 a is a side diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 2 b is a bottom diagram of an embodiment of a bolster.

FIG. 3 a is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 3 b is a cross sectional diagram of FIG. 3 a rotated on its axis 90°.

FIG. 4 a is an orthogonal diagram of an embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 4 b is an orthogonal diagram of FIG. 4 a rotated on its axis 90°.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of a degradation assembly.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional diagram of another embodiment of a portion of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 a is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 b is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 c is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 d is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 e is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 8 f is an orthogonal diagram of another embodiment of a tensioning element.

FIG. 9 a is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a percussion bit.

FIG. 9 b is a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a roller cone bit.

FIG. 10 a is an orthogonal diagram of an embodiment of an excavation drum.

FIG. 10 b is an orthogonal diagram of an embodiment of a trencher.

FIG. 11 is an orthogonal diagram of an embodiment of a mining machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows a cross sectional diagram of an embodiment of a drill bit. A degradation assembly 201 may be disposed within the bit. The degradation assembly 201 may comprise a tensioning assembly 107.

FIG. 2 a shows a diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 201 with a tensioning element 107 disposed therein. The degradation assembly 201 may comprise a carbide bolster 207 attached to a tip 204 comprising a super hard material 205. The bolster may comprise a connection point 206 such that a tightening and/or removal tool may be attached to the bolster. The bolster may comprise an upper section 202 and a lower section 203 that have been affixed to each other. FIG. 2 b depicts an orthogonal view a diagram of an embodiment of an upper section 202 of a bolster 207. The upper section 202 may comprise a pocket 209, such that a breakaway torque bearing feature is adapted to seat with the pocket 209.

FIG. 3 a is a diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 201 and FIG. 3 b is a diagram of the same embodiment of a degradation assembly 201 rotated 90°. The degradation assembly 201 may comprise a bolster 207. The bolster 207 may comprise a cavity 301 disposed within the interior of the bolster 207. The degradation assembly 201 may comprise a tensioning element 107. The tensioning element 107 may be disposed within the cavity 301 of the bolster 207 in such a way that the tensioning element 107 and the bolster 207 may form a spherical ball joint socket. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a catch 106. The catch 106 may engage the bolster 207. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a breakaway torque bearing feature 104. A torque break point 103 may be disposed below the feature 104. The feature 104 may be disposed within the cavity 301 in such a way that, while the torque break point 103 remains unbroken, a torque that is applied to the degradation assembly 201 may be directly transferred to the tensioning element 107.

FIG. 4 a shows an orthogonal view of a diagram of an embodiment of a tensioning element 107. FIG. 4 b shows an orthogonal view of a diagram of the same embodiment of a tensioning element 107 rotated axially 90°. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry 108 on a first end. The interlocking geometry 108 may comprise a breakaway torque bearing feature 104. A torque break point 103 may be disposed below the feature 104. When a torque of sufficient strength is applied the feature 104 may breakaway from the tensioning element 107 at the torque break point 103. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a catch 106 through which a tensioning force may be exerted upon a first object. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a tension break point 105. When a tension of sufficient force is applied the tensioning element 107 may break at the tension break point 105. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a wrench flat 102, such that a wrench or socket may be able to interface with the tension assembly. The tensioning element 107 may comprise a thread form 101, such that the thread form 101 may be disposed within a compatibly threaded hole.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 201 that may be receiving an applied torque. The degradation assembly may be comprised of a tensioning element 107. The degradation assembly may be disposed within a blind hole. The applied torque may be of sufficient strength that a torque break point 103 may begin to break. The torque required for the torque break point 103 to break may be greater then the torque required to fully seat a thread form 101.

FIG. 6 is a diagram of an embodiment of a degradation assembly 201 under tension. The tension may be being applied through a puller 502 which may be engaged to the degradation assembly 201 through a connection point 206. A torque break point 103 may already be broken. The tensioning force may be sufficient to break a tension break point 105, which may enable the removal of the degradation assembly 201.

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an embodiment of a portion 602 of a tensioning element. The portion 602 may be the remains of a tensioning element after a torque break point 105 has been broken and the degradation assembly removed. A wrench 601 may be attached to the portion 602 via a wrench flat 102. It is believed that the wrench 601 may be able unthread the portion 602 from the threaded hole.

FIG. 8 a is a diagram of an embodiment of a tensioning element. The tensioning element may be comprised of a wrench flat 102 that is in the shape of a square.

FIG. 8 b is discloses a tension break point 105 comprised of a through hole, causing the break point to be weaker then the surrounding areas of the tensioning element.

FIG. 8 c discloses a tensioning element comprised of a catch 106. The catch 106 may be shaped like a flat surface that may engage a first object.

FIG. 8 d discloses a tensioning element comprised of a torque break point 103. The torque break point may be comprised of a through hole, such that the torque break point 103 may be weaker then the surrounding areas of the tensioning element.

FIG. 8 e discloses tensioning element comprised of a wrench flat 102. The wrench flat 102 comprises an indent, such that a wrench may be able to engage the indent.

FIG. 8 f discloses a tension element comprised of a breakaway torque bearing feature 104. The breakaway torque bearing feature may comprise a square shape.

FIG. 9 a discloses a degradation assembly 201 disposed within a percussion bit and FIG. 9 b discloses a degradation assembly 201 disposed within a roller cone bit.

FIG. 10 a a degradation assembly 201, comprising a tensioning element, may be disposed within an excavation drum and FIG. 10 b discloses a trencher with a blade 901. The blade may comprise a degradation assembly which is attached to the blade 901 through a tensioning element.

FIG. 11 discloses a mining machine. The working face 1001 of the mining machine may comprise a degradation assembly 201.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. 

1. A tensioning element adapted to connect a first object to a second object, comprising: a breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry on a first end and a thread form on a second end; a breakaway torque bearing feature affixed to the first end.
 2. The element of claim 1, wherein the tensioning element is disposed within a degradation assembly.
 3. The degradation assembly of claim 2, wherein the degradation assembly is a downhole drill bit.
 4. The degradation assembly of claim 2, wherein the degradation assembly is an excavation drum.
 5. The degradation assembly of claim 2, wherein the degradation assembly is a component of a downhole tool string.
 6. The element of claim 1, wherein the element comprises a removal interface disposed between the interlocking geometry and the thread form.
 7. The element of claim 6, wherein the removal interface comprises a wrench flat.
 8. The element of claim 1, wherein breakaway torque bearing feature is adapted to breakaway at a lower strain then the breakaway tensile bearing interlocking geometry.
 9. The element of claim 1, wherein the torque force required to breakaway the breakaway torque bearing feature is greater then the torque required to seat the thread form.
 10. The element of claim 1, wherein the tensioning element is disposed within a blind hole.
 11. The element of claim 1, wherein the interlocking geometry comprises a catch.
 12. The element of claim 1, wherein the first object is a carbide bolster attached to a tip comprising a super hard material.
 13. The element of claim 12, wherein a cavity in the bolster is formed of two segments fixed to each other.
 14. The element of claim 1, wherein the interlocking geometry and a cavity of the first object form a spherical ball joint socket.
 15. The element of claim 1, wherein the first object is adapted to rotationally interlock with the breakaway torque bearing feature.
 16. The element of claim 1, wherein the first object comprises an internal cavity that is adapted to axially interlock with the interlocking geometry.
 17. The element of claim 1, wherein the breakaway torque bearing feature comprises a breakpoint by which it attaches to the first end.
 18. The element of claim 1, wherein the tensioning element comprises a tension break point disposed between the interlocking geometry and the thread form.
 19. The element of claim 1, wherein the first object is comprised of a connection point adapted for connection to a puller or a wrench. 